Kiera Jefferson
China is facing a severe air pollution problem, which has been caused by rapid industrialization and urbanization. The country's high population of vehicles, coal consumption and production are the major contributors to this issue. As a result, China's air quality is considered extremely poor, with high levels of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and small particle matter known as PM2.5 and PM10. The pollution has led to various health issues for citizens, including respiratory diseases, cancer, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, causing hundreds of thousands of premature deaths annually. While China has implemented measures to improve air quality, the social, economic, and political challenges associated with reducing pollution are significant. Thus, it may be advisable to consider the potential health risks before planning a trip to China, especially for individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
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What You'll Learn
The health risks of visiting China
China is the world's most populous country, with a population of approximately 1.4 billion people. It is also the world's leading annual emitter of greenhouse gases and mercury. The country's rapid industrialisation and immense population growth have resulted in severe environmental degradation, with air, land, and water pollution posing significant health risks to both its citizens and global health.
Air pollution in China is a major concern, with the country ranking as the 11th dirtiest in the world in 2019. The capital, Beijing, experienced moderate levels of pollution for only two months in 2019, with the remaining ten months classified as "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" by the World Health Organization. The high levels of air pollution in China are attributed primarily to the country's reliance on coal, which produces about 66% of its power. The annual tonnage of coal used in China exceeds the combined total of the rest of the world. As a result, the air pollution in China's cities is often described as a “toxic gray shroud,” and residents frequently wear masks to protect themselves from the harmful effects of breathing in polluted air.
The health risks associated with exposure to air pollution are well-documented. A study in the medical journal The Lancet estimated that 1.24 million people died from air pollution in China in 2017. Since 2000, the number of deaths attributed to air pollution in the country has topped 30 million, according to New Scientist magazine. The World Bank reported in 1997 that industrial air pollution has caused hundreds of thousands of premature deaths and incidents of serious respiratory illness in China. The Chinese Ministry of Health has also acknowledged the impact of pollution, stating that industrial pollution has made cancer the leading cause of death in the country.
In addition to air pollution, soil pollution in China is also a significant concern. The State Environmental Protection Administration estimates that 38,610 square miles (100,000 km2) of cultivated land have been polluted, with contaminated water used for irrigation. Heavy metals in the soil, including mercury, lead, cadmium, and chromium, have adverse effects on human metabolism and health.
Water pollution is another critical issue in China, with industrial discharges rendering many waterways unfit for direct human use. According to The New York Times, 500 million people in China lack safe and clean drinking water.
While the Chinese government has taken steps to combat pollution, such as investing heavily in environmental planning and adopting Environmental Air Quality Standards, the country continues to face significant challenges in improving the health and well-being of its citizens and mitigating the global impact of its pollution.
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The accuracy of China's AQI
China's Air Quality Index (AQI) is based on the level of six atmospheric pollutants: sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), suspended particulates smaller than 10 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM10), suspended particulates smaller than 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5), and carbon monoxide. China's Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) is responsible for monitoring the level of air pollution in China and, as of January 1, 2013, MEP monitors the daily pollution levels in 163 of its major cities.
There are some doubts about the accuracy of China's AQI. One source states that China uses a "fake-ass metric designed by China to game their population into thinking it is less polluted than it actually is". This source also states that the US AQI is not an international standard, and that each country has its own AQI, making it very hard to compare air quality without looking at the raw numbers.
Other sources suggest that China's AQI is reasonably accurate. For example, according to figures released on the reputable IQAir.com website, the cleanest air in China is found in Tibet. In December 2020, the city of Linzhi recorded a US AQI figure of 50. It was also voted as China's cleanest city in 2019 with an average annual figure of 27. Other pollutants were recorded at relatively low levels, but there is room for improvement. PM2.5 concentrations were 15 µg/m³, and the PM 10 figure was 20 µg/m³. Ground-level ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were recorded at 73 µg/m³ and 7 µg/m³, respectively. The remaining two pollutants that are often measured were sulphur dioxide (SO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) at 6 µg/m³ and 600 µg/m³, respectively.
Furthermore, China has made a lot of progress in attempting to get its air cleaner. Between 2013 and 2017, the levels of PM2.5 were reduced by 33% in at least 74 cities. The following year, it fell by a further 10%. During August 2019, Beijing experienced the lowest PM2.5 reading since records began. It stood at just 23 µg/m³ (micrograms per cubic metre). If this level continues to drop, then Beijing will fall out of the top 200 most polluted cities in the world. The Chinese government is investing heavily to combat pollution. Over $277 billion was pledged by the Academy for Environmental Planning in 2013. In 2012, cities began to adopt the Environmental Air Quality Standards, which has proved effective as the recorded levels of PM2.5 and sulphur dioxide (SO2) dropped by 42% and 68% respectively between 2013 and 2018.
In conclusion, while there are some doubts about the accuracy of China's AQI, it appears that the country is making significant progress in reducing air pollution and improving the accuracy of its AQI data.
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The impact of air pollution on exercise
China is the world's most populous country, with a population of approximately 1.4 billion people in 2019. In the same year, China ranked as the 11th dirtiest country in the world, with a US Air Quality Index (AQI) figure of 110. The concentration level of the PM2.5 pollutant was three times the World Health Organisation's (WHO) recommended levels. Beijing residents experienced "Moderate" levels of pollution for only two months in 2019 (August and September) and breathed in air classified as ""Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" for the remaining ten months.
The Chinese government has been investing heavily to combat pollution, with over $277 billion pledged by the Academy for Environmental Planning in 2013. Cities also began adopting the Environmental Air Quality Standards in 2012, which proved effective in reducing PM2.5 and sulphur dioxide (SO2) levels. Despite these efforts, air pollution in China remains a significant concern, with many people reporting negative impacts on their health and well-being.
Now, let's discuss the impact of air pollution on exercise:
Exercising in a polluted environment can increase the number of pollutants inhaled due to the physiological adaptations the respiratory system undergoes during physical activity, leading to a higher volume of inhaled air. The impact of air pollution on individuals who are exercising depends on various factors, including the level of air pollution, the individual's health status, and the intensity and duration of the exercise.
While regular physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, it is crucial to consider the air quality before engaging in outdoor exercises. The World Health Organization (WHO) and local health authorities provide guidelines and air quality indices to help individuals make informed decisions. For example, some people choose to avoid outdoor exercises when the AQI exceeds a certain threshold or wear N95 masks to filter out pollutants.
The health effects of exercising in polluted air are particularly concerning for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, lung disease, children, and the elderly. Research has shown that exposure to high levels of PM2.5 and physical inactivity are crucial risk factors for the development and progression of cardiovascular disease. However, one study found that being physically active at least twice a week was associated with a decreased risk of incident ischemic heart disease among subjects exposed to high levels of PM2.5.
In conclusion, while the benefits of exercise are well-established, it is important to consider the potential risks associated with exercising in polluted environments. Individuals should monitor air quality indices, follow health guidelines, and consult healthcare providers to make informed decisions about outdoor physical activities, especially in highly polluted areas like certain regions in China.
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China's progress in reducing pollution
China's rapid industrialisation has resulted in excessive emissions of greenhouse gases, with coal being the largest source of air pollutants. In 2014, China's coal usage was more than the rest of the world combined. As a result, China has been ranked as the world's top emitter, producing more than a quarter of the world's annual greenhouse gas emissions. This has contributed to China's notoriously bad air pollution, which has threatened the health and livelihoods of its 1.4 billion citizens.
However, China has made significant progress in reducing air pollution in recent years. The Chinese government has invested heavily in combating pollution, with the Academy for Environmental Planning pledging over $277 billion in 2013. Cities have also adopted the Environmental Air Quality Standards, which has effectively reduced PM2.5 and sulphur dioxide (SO2) levels. Between 2013 and 2017, PM2.5 levels dropped by 33% in 74 cities, and by a further 10% in 2018. Beijing, in August 2019, experienced its lowest PM2.5 reading since records began, at just 23 µg/m³.
China has also invested in renewable energy sources and emissions control. The World Bank-supported Innovative Financing for Air Pollution Control Program has financed investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and emissions control. This has helped reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 2.5 million tons per year. Additionally, environmental regulations and industrial reforms have positively impacted reducing industrial pollution.
While China still has a long way to go in addressing its pollution problem, the country is making progress in reducing air and water pollution. The use of renewable energy sources and the implementation of environmental regulations are contributing to these improvements.
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The water pollution in China
China's rapid economic growth, industrialization, and urbanization have resulted in severe water pollution. This is due in part to inadequate investment in basic water supply and treatment infrastructure, leading to approximately 700 million people consuming contaminated drinking water. This water often contains unsafe levels of animal and human excreta, with levels exceeding maximum permissible amounts by up to 86% in rural areas and 28% in urban areas.
The consequences of water pollution in China are far-reaching. Firstly, there is an increased risk of exposure to infectious and parasitic diseases, industrial chemicals, heavy metals, and algal toxins. Secondly, the lack of coordination between environmental and public health policies, coupled with a fragmented water resource management system, exacerbates the problem.
China's water pollution has also impacted its Asian neighbors and the global environment. One example is China's geoengineering projects to redirect water from the south to the north, which threatens water resources downstream from Tibet. Additionally, China's iconic Yellow River, traditionally a vital source of water for the country, has frequently run dry before reaching the Yellow Sea since 1997.
The Chinese government has taken steps to address water pollution, such as the Total Amount of Pollutants Control Plan proposed in 2000, and the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Water Pollution enacted in 2008. These efforts have shown some positive results, with improvements in water quality between 2003 and 2017. However, nutrient concentrations are expected to continue rising due to human activities and climate change, posing ongoing challenges to water quality and public health in China.
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